I never expected to become a prize-winning llama racer, but at unique events like Llama Fest, anything can happen. If leading an oversized mammal through a race course is not your forte, there’s still much to do at nearby festivals, and we’ve highlighted our summer favorites in this issue’s Starting Line.
Author: Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She's a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A lover of adventure and travel, she's happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or Instagram @jlwillden.
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy this classic event celebrating wine, food, and outdoor adventures from July 10–14 in Park City. Don’t miss the Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday at 4:00 p.m. where you’ll sample food provided by local restaurants and wine from around the world. Pair wine and food with outdoor recreation at seminars for mountain bikers, road cyclists, and hikers. Take in fresh air and gorgeous views at Friday’s hikenar (seminar + hike) at Deer Valley followed by lunch at The Montage paired with Stella Artois beers. All hikers receive a commemorative Merrell backpack. parkcityfoodandwineclassic.com
Trail runners can get their kicks at this 3-day running and multi-sport festival held at Colorado’s Copper Mountain Resort from June 28–30 with a variety of trail races: 5K, 10K, half marathon, duathlon, marathon, and a relay. An expo, live music, family movie night, and other fun activities are planned throughout the weekend. copperhalf.com
Need a guide for your next trip? Find one for every outdoor adventure with this select listing of outfitters in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. The list is not all inclusive, but you can find more Utah-based options at utah-adventures.com. This section replaces our usual event calendar, which is always available online at sportsguidemag.com.
One of summer’s most spectacular festivals is in your own backyard. The Utah Arts Festival, held June 20–23 at Library Square in Salt Lake City, is the state’s largest outdoor multi-disciplinary arts event featuring artists from all over the country. Visit to see gorgeous artwork, enjoy delicious ethnic cuisine, and watch live performances. Bike to the fest to save $2 on admission, and they’ll store your bike in a secure area. Utah’s own Color Me Rad 5K, a race where colored chalk is tossed on participants as they run by, will be held just outside the festival on Saturday, June…
30 Picks to Pack By Melissa McGibbon and Jenny Willden Make summer adventures a breeze with these top-performing travel finds. See more products we love online at sportsguidemag.com.
Exploring Colorado’s Western Slope by Bike By Jenny Willden Sun baked my shoulders as I pedaled past vineyards and orchards, ripe fruit hanging off the bending branches. We biked along country blacktop then down a long dirt road to Maison La Belle Vie, a French winery surrounded by a flowering courtyard. Samples of every varietal flowed as we rode from one outstanding winery to the next, and the experience made me feel briefly transported from Colorado to Napa. No, this isn’t the nation’s most famous wine country, but it’s only five hours from Salt Lake City and the wines are,…
For Utah’s resorts, melting snow doesn’t signal the end of operations. Instead, many re-open during the summer for hiking, live music, festivals, and activities for the kid in all of us. Learn more about these local summer resort adventures below.
Running Shoe Reviews Inov-8 Bare-Grip 200 • Weight: Mens 7.1 oz • Category: Minimal Trail Running The Bare-Grip 200s have what Inov8 calls precision fit, a narrower and longer fit ideal for gripping the feet when racing. This extra length disappears when running because of the flexibility of the shoes and minimal construction. This flexibility makes the shoes good for soft muddy conditions, but means the rocks are noticeable through hard sections of trail. The cleat-like sole sheds the mud like nobody’s business. Simply stated, aptly named, these Bare-Grip shoes simulate barefoot running with loads of gripping power. $110 Inov-8.com
12 Essential Gear Picks for Racing Ladies By Jenny Willden My Alibi Bloomers My Alibi is bringing sexy back (to the bike) with bloomers designed to support you on rides without feeling bulky. Wear them under regular clothing or your favorite active wear. There’s no binding elastic to cause discomfort, and you’ll never see a panty line. We love them in Chocolate Brown. $70 myalibiclothing.com